A couple of additions to my Seated Half collection. Not the best grades, but when retired one must do what is financially possible.
I broke down and purchased an uncirculated seated half from GFRC. Normally, I avoid MS coins, but this is a "Weird F!" Being a weird F'er myself, how could I resist?! The coin is very likely a top pop (1/0) for this rare (R7) die marriage. The next highest graded example that I'm aware of is the MS62 in Bill Bugert's S-mint registry. NGC MS64 1877-S WB-6 "Type 1, Micro S, Weird F"
@Gilbert . LOVE the 1852-O. Spent about 20 years of my life looking for a coin exactly like that. Great combination of rarity, eye appeal, and historical meaning. James
An unusual reason for purchasing a United States coin for me. Benicia was the California State Capital during the year 1853 and the restored capitol building has an 1853 half dollar on display. United States half dollar 1853 - Benicia State Capitol building United States half dollar 1853
@fiddlehead . Excellent set. 1840 is one of my all time favorite dates to collect. Except for the dime , and Half those coins are long sold but I had the half dime, quarter and dollar at one point. Seminal year in history of mint. James
@UnCommonCents . 1840 has a long list of important events. This was the first year since 1803 that a silver dollar was minted and expected to be a part of circulation. This was the first year that the New Orleans mint was expected and allowed to strike both Half dollars and Quarters. (There is also a no mint mark Half dollar that was discoverd years later) This was the last year both Seated dimes and Seated Half dimes had to have their stars added to each die by hand. This was a transistion year that saw both minor and major changes to the half dime, dime. quarter and half. There are a number of other technical changes that were made as new technology was added but i am sure you get the idea. James
Thank you for the explanation. I'd like to know more about the minor and major changes you spoke of. Either in a direct message or maybe you can link another post that talks about them? One of my recent purchases was a 1842 seated $1. Seated coinage is one of my favorites. I'm fascinated by all the changes and types within seated coins.
@UnCommonCents . You would be farther ahead in the game if you did what I did. The Liberty Seated Collectors Club maintains a free web site. If you go to the LSCC web page their is a link to their old web site where they have a drop down page of free online reference books for every denomination. (I am still learning the new web page at this time but I am sure same free books are there) I don't know if you are the tactile kind but my "go to" book is A guide book of Liberty Seated Coins by Bowers. I have heard that copies are available at Wizard coin supply. To be honest with you I am more likely to give you inaccurate information simply because I am old and there is just so much to contend with. That is why I like the Bower book. You don't have to jump from one reference to another between the denominations and the wordage some times is so similar it can be easy to get confused. (At least for me). Having said that, I look forward to future posts about Seated coins with you. As my wife and kid will testify, I tend to talk about that a lot. Good luck collecting. James